Chapter 15 — After Being Kicked Out of the Retirement Party, I Went to Germany for 50 Days

One year later. I returned to China to work for a company project. In the business class lounge at Hongqiao airport, Shanghai. I unexpectedly met Phuong Vu Hang again. He was dragging an old suitcase. His body was covered with fatigue from long trips. Her hair is almost white. His face was deeply marked by weather and exhaustion. Looks twenty years older than his real age. Our eyes met in midair. He was stunned. There was surprise in the eyes. It's regret. And even a little bit of disbelief. Wear a delicately tailored business suit. Makeup is neat. The temperament was completely different a year ago.

“Tri Thu...”

He opened his mouth. Hoarse voice. I nodded politely. Distant tone.

“Mr. Phuong.”

Hear that way of calling. A bitter smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

“Even the name…”

“Don't you want to call anymore?”

“That relationship is over.”

I calmly looked at him.

“Are... are you okay these days?”

“Dad passed away last winter.”

“Now I'm alone.”

In his voice was endless loneliness. I was silent for a while. Finally, still say those two words.

“My condolences.”

People who used to sleep together. Now it's like two strangers meeting each other by chance. Even a redundant inquiry. It also becomes awkward. The boarding announcement sounded in the terminal. I stood up. Bring your suitcase.

"Take care."

I didn't look at him again. Walk directly towards the boarding gate. Behind the back. Those hot and regretful eyes were still following my figure. Until I turned the corner of the hallway. Completely disappeared from his sight. Phuong Vu Hang. He finally understood what he had lost. But it's a pity. Everything is too late. Three years later. I finally used the money I earned to buy a small house with a garden in the suburbs. The balcony faces straight towards the distant Alps. The view is extremely beautiful. An Kha brought her new boyfriend to her house for dinner. I personally cooked a table full of Chinese dishes.

“Female director Diep.”

“Now you still know how to make so many elaborate dishes like this?”

An Kha exclaimed exaggeratedly.

“I thought you had forgotten all about these skills.”

“When cooking these dishes.”

“Don't you remember the people and things that made you uncomfortable before?”

I smiled and shook my head. Place the newly prepared plate of sweet and sour fried ribs on the table.

“Now cook.”

“It's to make me happy.”

“And make your friends happy.”

“And used to cook.”

“It's to please others.”

“The feeling is completely different.”

After meal. We sat drinking tea on the balcony. An Kha suddenly asked:

“Ever thought about starting a new relationship?”

I looked at the snowy mountains stretching out the window. Think for a moment.

“Maybe there will be.”

“But I'm in no hurry.”

“I really enjoy living alone right now.”

“And enough.”

The phone rings. It's mom's video call. In screen. She was sitting in the sun in the yard of her house in the countryside. Next to it, there is a small cat sleeping.

“Daughter.”

“Are you coming back for Tet this year?”

“I booked a plane ticket!”

I replied smiling. Recent years. Every year I send my mother 100,000 yuan in retirement money. Let her renovate her small house in the countryside. Hire a maid take care of daily activities. Her life is now more comfortable than anyone else's. After ending the call. I accidentally opened the photo album on my phone. Screenshot of the guest list for the mother-in-law's retirement party. Something I've kept for a long time. Still lying quietly in a corner. I looked at it for a long time. Then choose. Diep Tri Thu of that day. People cannot find a place for themselves in that list. Has completely disappeared. As for me now. Living in every list I create. And forever. Always stand on the first line.